In-Stent
Lumen Visualization Using Intravascular MRI and a BSSFP Sequence

In this abstract, the use of an intravascular loopless
antenna is investigated as a way to reduce radiofrequency shielding for an
improved visualization of the vessel lumen inside a metallic vascular stent.
Measurements are performed on a dedicated vascular phantom using a bSSFP
sequence. In comparison to traditional surface MRI, the use of the
intravascular antenna is shown to lead to an improved lumen visualization as a
result of the intrinsically higher sensitivity of the intravascular antenna and
a reduction of the radiofrequency shielding of the stent during signal
reception.